Article
The Main Sociocultural Predictors of Mental Health Disparities among Older, African American Women
International Journal of Education and Social Science
(2020)
Abstract
This study examines sociocultural predictors of mental health disparities among older, African
American Women. The current study investigated how the sociocultural factors of ethnicity,
mental health beliefs, ethnic identity, age, spirituality, and religiosity predicted utilization of
formal and informal mental health treatment services. Furthermore, this study discusses the
existing literature regarding theories, risk and protective factors, and relevant prevention and
intervention responses in relation to depression among older African American women. Although
there is an abundance of research on depression, most of the research study literature tends to
relate to other cultures. Subsequently, the relevant literature shows there is a limited amount of
information focusing on older African American women and their experiences with depression.
The current study suggests that attitudes and beliefs about mental illness and health practices is a
factor that should been considered by clinicians when assessing, diagnosing, treating and trying
to maintain adherence to services of older African American Women.
Keywords
- depression,
- elderly,
- treatment,
- support,
- women,
- research
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring May, 2020
Citation Information
Tamika Baldwin-Clark and Jackson De Carvalho. "The Main Sociocultural Predictors of Mental Health Disparities among Older, African American Women" International Journal of Education and Social Science Vol. 7 Iss. 3 (2020) p. 1 - 13 ISSN: 2410-5171 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tamika-baldwin-clark/6/